DeLay’s “Dangerous Pattern”

“I’m just glad President Carter wasn’t in charge after Valley Forge, Bull Run or Pearl Harbor,” Mr. DeLay said in a blistering statement issued today. “President Carter should understand that appeasement isn’t an option, and the only `peaceful settlement’ to this war will be America’s victory.”

He continued:

The majority leader, known for not mincing words, said Mr. Carter’s observations illustrated the growth of “a dangerous pattern.”

“Democrat leaders continue to undermine our troops and our coalition’s ability to win the war and bring peace and stability to the Middle East,” Mr. DeLay said.

“Bombing a sovereign nation for ill-defined reasons with vague objectives undermines the American stature in the world. The international respect and trust for America has diminished every time we casually let the bombs fly. We must stop giving the appearance that our foreign policy is formulated by the Unabomber.”—Floor Statement on Resolution on Peacekeeping Operations in Kosovo, 3/11/99

At least some Republicans were consistent, though:

Over the weekend two top GOP leaders, Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott (Miss.) and House Majority Whip Tom DeLay (Texas), urged the administration and NATO allies to seize upon the release of the three POWs as an opportunity for discussions with Milosevic.

But Rep. Peter King (R-N.Y.) criticized his party for espousing the rhetoric of antiwar Democrats in the 1960s. “There are a lot of people in my party who are looking like dovish Jane Fondas.”
- The Hill, May 5, 1999

For a disturbing pattern, look forward to a new window this week on the four, count ‘em four investigations revolving around “DeLay Inc.”